Questions and Answers

What does God think about human sacrifices?

The account in Genesis 22:2 has been the subject of a great wealth of religious speculation, but the fact remains that Isaac was not sacrificed.

The account in 2 Samuel is misnamed as a "human sacrifice." It looks far more like an execution carried out by the Gibeonites because Saul had previously persecuted them.

God accepts human sacrifices

2 Samuel 21:8-14 - He handed them over to the Gibeonites, who killed and exposed them
Genesis 22:2 - Sacrifice Isaac there as a burnt offering

God forbids human sacrifice

Deuteronomy 12:30-31 - You must not worship the LORD your God in their way - burn their sons and daughters in the fire as s